Armenian parliament begins discussion of bill calling for recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN, November 12. /ARKA/. Armenia’s parliament began today discussions of a motion submitted by the opposition Zharangutyun (Heritage) party calling for formal recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

Earlier parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan said Armenian foreign ministry is against the bill, drafted by the head of Heritage faction Zaruhi Postanjyan.

Speaking at a parliament session today Ms. Postanjyan recalled that Heritage has produced a string of bills since 2007 urging the parliament to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"We believe that both in 2007 and now this issue is relevant and important, given the challenges now faced by Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” she said.

According to Postanjyan, Nagorno -Karabakh Republic, as well as Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan gained independence in accordance with international norms and laws.

“Our task is to encourage the process of recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic by other states. Nagorno-Karabakh is a sovereign state that we must recognize. It will be an impetus for other states,” she said.

Ms. Postanjyan stressed that Armenia needs also to specify its relations with the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"Our actions are not secured by documents. After the recognition of Karabakh we will be able to conclude official agreements with it as prescribed by the law on international agreements. This is an important factor that obliges us to begin the process of recognition,” she argued.

She downplayed argument that the recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic would make Azerbaijan to renew hostilities.

"I have to remind all that we only have a cease-fire agreement with Azerbaijan and in fact, the war continues. We do not have a peace treaty with Azerbaijan,” she said.

She added that during a discussion of the bill by the parliamentary commission on foreign relations neither of its members and no government official presented a single argument against the recognition of Karabakh by Armenia. - 0 -